Transfers Countries Italy MilanMilan to Zurich

Private car transfer from Milan to Zurich

Door-to-door
in 3 h 30 min

From €91
per seat

Comfortable
car

One way

One wayReturnMulti-city

New

One way

Cancel for free 24 hours before departure

Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice 2024

Excellent

Trip Information

Pick-up

Your driver will meet you at your address in Milan.

Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage

Trip

You’ll travel in comfort for 3 h 30 min.

Optional sight-seeing
Clean, comfortable car
Professional driver
Bottled water
Child seats
Prepared for handicapped
Smoke-free
Pet friendly

Drop-off

Your driver will drop you off at your address in Zurich.

Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage

In total

281 km3 h 30 min

Overview: car trip from Milan to Zurich

The culture in Milan is unparalleled, but a destination that comes close to its vibrancy while providing travelers with unique offerings is Zurich, Switzerland. This city by the water seamlessly offers travelers a glimpse into how urban living and nature can coincide and flourish. With its diverse gastronomic scene, countless events, natural sights, and many museums, it's definitely worth planning to drive by car with Daytrip from Milan to Zurich.

Along the way, you can stop in a few genuinely captivating places. There is Lugano, a lakeside city with picturesque views; Bellinzona, a scenic valley city that is heavily fortified; and the Sasso San Gottardo tunnels, which used to be a secret Swiss military base. Your private English driver will tell you all about these stops as you make your way to Zurich.

However, whether you arrive in the early morning with enough time to squeeze in a hike at Uetliberg or late at night to enjoy Zurich's lively nightlife, you can trust your time in Zurich will be memorable. So book with Daytrip today to secure your spot to enjoy these sights along the way and your escape into an urban landscape in the heart of nature.

About Zurich

It's a misconception to believe Zurich is a boring Swiss city with the same attractions as every other in the region. Although it has its fair share of museums—like other Swiss cities—it offers incredible variety. This city, located in Switzerland at the northern tip of Lake Zurich and on the Limmat River, is a place where urban life is never too far from nature.

From towering architecturally pleasing buildings and churches to staggeringly beautiful landscapes, lake views, and hiking trails, one can get lost in Zurich and simultaneously feel like they've found home.

Zurich is an ancient city that was founded by the Romans in 15 BC. During this time, it was known as Turicum. Over the years, it has evolved from a medieval trading hub into a European financial hub. It has become Switzerland's largest city, which is known for its cultural institutions and global banking. When you visit Zurich, you can expect to wander through the Old Town and enjoy brunch at a cozy cafe or cross over into the hip district alongside the Old Town for a bit of shopping at luxurious stores along Bahnhofstrasse and art galleries.

After a day of shopping and eating your way through Swiss local cuisine, you can visit one of the many parks to take in the views of the lake or river while planning your next tour destination in the city. While planning, consider a river cruise on Lake Zurich, where you can expect to see spectacular views of the Alps, or why not journey to a local waterfront pub and enjoy a pint or glass of wine?

There is also no shortage of landmarks to visit, from picturesque alleyways and historic buildings to places like the Karlstrum Tower, the Fraumunster Church, and the Grossmunster Church. So, with nature and urban convenience at your fingertips, it's about time you visit Zurich to enjoy cosmopolitan flair while indulging in the great outdoors.

From Milan to Zurich: travel tips

Did you know that if you travel by train from Milan to Zurich, you pass through the Gotthard Base Tunnel, the world's longest and deepest railway tunnel? This is just one of the things you should know.

Contrary to what you might believe, there's much to know about taking a Milan to Zurich transfer, whether you travel by bus, train, or car. The journey is not without its challenges, so learning all you can about your trip before you begin is a good idea.

To help you, we've shared a few must-know travel trips that can make your trip even better.

Always be on time

When traveling from Milan, it can be easy to retain the easygoing nature you're used to when it comes to dining, bookings, and timeliness. Unfortunately, the Swiss take matters of time seriously—far more seriously than Italy.

Switzerland is known for its punctuality, and Zurich isn't an exception. This means that if you plan on stopping along your designated path with Daytrip in places in Switzerland, you need to be on time for appointments, reservations, and bookings.

Be on the lookout for petty crime

Every country has crime, and although crime is less prevalent in Milan, Zurich, and the places in between, it's important to be on the lookout for thieves and take safety precautions. So, if you're traveling by public transportation like a plane, bus, or train, you must keep a very close eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas. If this sounds like a hassle you want to avoid, look into traveling with a private door-to-door transfer service like Daytrip instead.

Consider booking accommodation in advance

Milan, Zurich, and the cities and towns in between become popular during peak seasons, so it's a good idea to book your accommodation in advance if you plan on traveling during this season.

You should also consider booking hotels in the northern reaches of Zurich, in Oerlikon, or near the lakeside. These locations might be farther from the city center, but they often have accommodation deals that can help you save money for other activities.

How to get from Milan to Zurich

A Milan to Zurich transfer can be daunting, considering you will be traveling from Italy to Switzerland, which are two wholly different countries. The good news is that there are a few ways to travel, including by flight, bus, train, and private car transfer. Of course, some of these options are better than others when traveling from Milan to Zurich, so let's have a look:

From Milan to Zurich by bus

If you look at a map, it might seem like the journey from Milan to Zurich is more or less a straight line, but this isn't the case. This means that choosing to travel by bus can be an arduous and uncomfortable journey.

On average, bus travel takes between four to five hours. During this time, you could spend every moment regretting your decision if the cabins are crowded with like-minded individuals eager to explore everything Zurich has to offer.

However, it isn't all doom and gloom. The bus is economical, and multiple trips are offered daily by companies like Flixbus, with tickets costing between $20 and $40 (€19-€37). You will just need to decide if it's the right mode of transportation for your travel needs.

From Milan to Zurich by train

Train travel is likely the most popular way to travel from Milan to Zurich, but depending on whether you book a regional or high-speed train, it can be costly and time-consuming.

If you travel with a regional train line, you can expect the trip to take between four and five hours since these trains are slower. However, the pricing makes up for the slowness, with tickets costing between $50 and $80 (€47-€75). Another perk is that the train journey is incredibly scenic, and you can see more of it since you're traveling slower.

On the other hand, if you book with a high-speed train line like Swiss Federal Railways and Trenitalia, you will only be traveling from Milan to Zurich for three to four hours. These trains cost between $70 and $120 (€65-€112), if not more, and are more comfortable.

From Milan to Zurich by flight

Flying is another option for those who want to get to Zurich quickly. This option is best if you're on a time crunch and have a bigger budget for a day trip. Airlines like Swiss Air and Alitalia usually offer flights multiple times daily.

On average, a flight will take about one hour to travel from Milan to Zurich, but if you include airport transfers, customs checks, and busy airports, you can expect the trip to take about three hours – not much faster than driving and far more hassle.

Cost-wise, a ticket will set you back between $100 and $200 (€93-€187), which might be out of budget, considering Zurich is not one of the cheaper travel destinations.

From Milan to Zurich by private car service

Driving from Milan to Zurich with a private car transfer service like Daytrip will afford you many more luxuries and benefits than flying, taking the bus, or the train.

When you travel with Daytrip, you can choose when you travel and the type of car you will use to complete the trip. You can choose a premium-class luxury vehicle with comfortable seating and a private driver. You can also speak with your driver about local sights you want to explore along the way, like Devils Bridge, Mount Rigi, and Zug.

Driving with Daytrip also eliminates typical travel hassles like learning to read a map, translating road signs, and navigating foreign roads. Plus, prices start at only $102 (€95), making it a bargain!

Things to do when you get to Zurich

Zurich is a historically charming city with modern innovations, a vibrant cultural scene, and stunning natural landscapes, so it's no surprise you want to visit. However, what should you see and do when you get to Zurich? We've given you a few ideas below to help you pinpoint what to do:

Lindenhof

If you want to relax after exploring Bahnhofstrasse, enjoy a game of chess with a stranger, or take in the truly spectacular views of the Old Town, the Limmat River, and the Grossmunster, you can do so at Lindenhof.

Lindenhof is an elevated plaza that used to be the location of the fourth-century Roman fort. This plaza is now home to giant chess sets, benches perfect for idle sitting to bask in the available views, and linden trees for ambiance.

During your visit, we recommend snapping a few pictures of the view and the city's shingled medieval rooftops and timbered structures. You also might want to enjoy a picnic while looking out at distant alpine views. Just remember that it is quite a climb to get to the plaza, but it's well worth the effort.

Minster of Our Lady

It might not be the biggest or most decorative church in Zurich, but the Minster of Our Lady, or the 'Fraumunster,' is still worthy of a visit. This church has deep historical value to Zurich and was built on the remains of a convent that Emperor Ludwig founded in the 9th century.

Even if you're not particularly religious, you can enjoy the magnificent architecture of the church, which has distinctive spires and Marc Chagall stained glass windows. These iconic green spires make the church one of Zurich's most famous landmarks, and the windows compensate for the lack of opulent decor and ornamentation.

Uetliberg

Adventure junkies and outdoor enthusiasts won't want to miss visiting Uetliberg, which impressively stands 2,858 feet (871 m) above sea level. This mountain offers travelers unparalleled views of Zurich and the surrounding areas, making it the best place to be if you want to enjoy the city's best view and the nearby Alps.

After you've ascended the mountain, there are numerous trails through dense and ancient yew tree groves. Extreme mountain biking and sledding are also possible, as is paragliding from the top of the mountain peak. So even though it can take about an hour to get to the top of this local attraction, its many activities make it worth the effort.

When is the best time to visit Zurich?

Zurich is a Swiss city that deserves to be explored. But when should you begin your journey to enjoy all the city has to offer? This depends. Most people prefer visiting Zurich between June and September when average temperatures allow for swimming, hiking, biking, and outdoor activities.

However, some prefer to visit during the winter off-season from December to February because Zurich is close to the Swiss Alps ski slopes. If this is your plan, beware of price hikes, as accommodation is much more expensive during these months.

We recommend visiting between March and May, as you'll encounter fewer crowds and cheaper accommodation. The city is truly beautiful in the spring, with its blooming flowers and warm weather.

Questions & Answers about Traveling from Milan to Zurich

What is the best way to get from Milan to Zurich?

The easiest way to get from Milan to Zurich is to book with a private car transfer service. One of the best offering trips along this path is Daytrip. Daytrips services are customizable, reliable, time efficient, and safe, guaranteeing an enjoyable trip.

How long is the train from Milan to Zurich?

Time-wise, a train trip from Milan to Zurich can vary depending on whether you take a regional or high-speed train. A regional train takes four to five hours to complete the trip, while a high-speed train takes three to four hours to do the same.

How much is the train ride from Milan to Zurich?

How much a train ride costs from Milan to Zurich will depend on whether you book with a regional or high-speed train. Regional train tickets start at $50 (€47), while high-speed train tickets begin at $70 (€65) and can be as high as $120 (€112) or more.

What is the fastest way to get from Milan to Zurich?

Technically, the fastest way to get from Milan to Zurich is to take a flight from Milan Airport to Zurich Airport. The total travel time is about three hours. However, a close second with far less fuss is driving with Daytrip. When you travel with Daytrip, you will get between the two cities in about three and a half hours.

What is the distance between Milan and Zurich?

The journey from Milan to Zurich is 171 miles (275 km), which is not too far for those interested in a day trip to Zurich from Milan. However, despite the manageable distance, how quickly you get to Zurich will depend on whether you travel by bus, train, car, or flight.

Is renting a car cheaper than driving with a private door-to-door service?

The rental cost of renting a car is far more expensive than booking with Daytrip. If you rent a car, you must factor in the deposit amount, fuel, tolls, and the day-to-day rental cost. Often, this will far exceed the all-inclusive price that Daytrip offers.

How can I get from Milan to Zurich?

Your options include flying, driving, or taking a bus or train from Zurich HB station. In most cases, you won't have to change trains or buses, but driving allows you to make detours to smaller cities to go sightseeing.

What can I see along the way from Milan to Zurich?

Lugano, Zug, Bellinzona, Mount Rigi, the Devil's Bridge, and Sasso San Gottardo are all easy add-ons to your Daytrip transfer.

How long does it take to get from Milan to Zurich by car?

The journey takes about 3.5 hours through the Swiss Alps. However, traffic, season, and road conditions can impact your driving time.

What is the cheapest way to get from Milan to Zurich?

The cheapest fares are by bus. Buses regularly leave from the bus station, but it is best to plan and purchase tickets ahead of time.

Where should I go next after I travel from Milan to Zurich?

As you head up into Switzerland on your European vacation, check out other cities nearby, like Strasbourg, Munich, or Dijon. No matter where you go next for your weekend trip, let Daytrip help you get there!

Visit these sights on the way

Lugano

This lakeside city isn’t just rich in history and culture, it’s also an important commerce center. Liquid Assets

Bellinzona

Strategically positioned and heavily fortified, this scenic valley city has been enthralling visitors for centuries. Key to the Alps

Sasso San Gottardo

This once secret Swiss military base has been transformed into an enlightening museum, dedicated to the problems of the past and future. Swiss Secret

Devil's Bridge over Schöllenen Gorge

According to legend, building a bridge over the Schöllenen Gorge was so difficult, it took the Devil himself to make it. You Shall Not Pass

Mount Rigi

Europe’s oldest alpine railroad take visitors up this massive massif, which provides panoramic views all the way into France and Germany. Queen of the Mountains

Zug

Hugging the shores of Lake Zug, this medieval market town has become a tax haven maintaining its historic landmarks. Historic Haven

Why people love Daytrip

5,100+ reviews

443 travelers took this route with us

Oct 2, 2025

Great transfer option.

“I used this service for a transfer from Split in Croatia to Perast Montenegro. My experience was exceptional. My driver Bojan was helpful, informative and ensured my journey was comfortable and enjoyable. I highly recommend the service.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Robyn C

Sep 20, 2025

It was a fantastic trip.

“We were extremely satisfied with the quality of service we received from Day Trip. We had two Day Trip rides on August 31 from Athens to Lefkada and September 7 from Lefkada back to Athens. Both trips included stops at scenic sites in Greece. Both drivers were excellent and accommodating. However, we’d especially like to recognize Panos Peppas, who was our driver from Lefkada to Athens. Panos was incredibly nice & pleasant and delivered outstanding customer service, which included handling all of luggage, providing us with cold waters throughout the trip, providing us protein bars, providing us with printed materials on the Corinth Canal (one of scenic stops), looking up and providing us with terminal & gate info for our flight back home and providing us with a recipe for tzatziki.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Daydream20046758137

Sep 15, 2025

Best transport company anywhere

“We absolutely love this company and have used it many times over the years to get from A to B without the hassle of hiring a car ourselves. Excellent drivers every time. Efficient and professional. It’s worth every penny and we can honestly recommend Day Trip to everyone. It’s 5 star rating is well deserved.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Mary L

Aug 20, 2025

Excellent experience in traveling

“We traveled from Nuremberg to Munich in a beautiful Audi. Driver picked us at our hotel at the exact time requested. Got us to Munich in plenty of time for our next tour. Driver made sure we were comfortable”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Steve N

Apr 22, 2025

Reasonably Priced and Safe Transportation

“Gonzalo from daytrip was our driver and he was absolutely amazing. He went over and beyond trying to locate us as our service wasn't so good on our phones. He patiently awaited our arrival to the lobby so he could take us from Tulum Dreams Resort to our other hotel in cancun an hour and a half away near the airport prior to our departure flight home. He was polite, respectful and kind. Made sure we were comfortable during our long ride. Fast and to the point. I recommend this company as finding a one way ride from Tulum to Cancun isn't easy or cheap and this company provides a great service for a great price. I will definitely be using them again whenever I'm in the Cancun/Tulum area. Thank you DayTrip and Gonzola.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler COCO

Apr 2, 2025

Daytrip never disappoints

“We were picked up by Marianna to drive us from Heraklion to Chania. The weather was terrible & due to this Marianna arrived a few minutes late. She contacted me to advise of this. Marianna lives in Chana and she made our trip very interesting by informing us of local things to do and see in Chania. Marianna is a safe driver and we all felt comfortable with the speed she drove at and how good her driving was in heavy rain. She is a lovely person with fluent English. We highly recommend Daytrips and if you are in Heraklion or Chania please make sure you ask for Marianna.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Julie M

Feb 28, 2025

Great driver in Egypt

“Used the service to go from Luxor to Hurghada, Egypt. Ahmed H was our driver and he was perfect. The car was new, clean, he had water and snacks for us, and accommodated our stops. Great service from him and would recommend it.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Maps315861

Feb 20, 2025

Comfortable and Safe Rides in Mexico

“Used Daytrip for two rides in Mexico, which were both great. So comfortable, and we arrived at each of our destinations at a great time. Both were incredible drivers, and we felt so safe. One of our drivers, Miguel, also played the best music! Will definitely use Daytrip on our next trip to Mexico.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Golourdesduarte

Feb 10, 2025

Great way to travel and see some sights on the way

“We did not know what to expect with this trip and booked from Australia. We were initially looking for an easy way to travel from Granada to Malaga. We decided not to waste the opportunity to see something additional on our way. Miguel certainly exceeded our expectations. His English was excellent (unfortunately we speak very little Spanish), and he was very friendly and helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the regions as we passed through and also discussing some of the local ways. Miguel took us to Antequera as planned and ensured we were able to easily get our tickets to the attractions without any sense of rushing us. We were picked up and dropped off punctually and really enjoyed our trip. Hopefully we will return to Spain and we can use this service again sometime.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Michelle R

Jan 25, 2025

Excellent service

“We used the service twice while in Thailand. Extremely prompt and efficient customer service. Best rate being offered in Chiang Mai for the travels. Polite, punctual, professional and English speaking drivers. Clean, comfortable vehicles. Being a regular visitor to Thailand, this was hands down the best service. Most pleased with the company. I hope it sustains the excellence of service that was rendered to us.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Omar

Good to know

Children

If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!

Pets

Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.

Tips

Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).

Luggage

Big luggage
29x21x11 inches
74x53x28 cm

Small luggage
22x14x9 inches
56x36x23 cm

Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.

Payment methods

Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, here are the answers.

Daytrip is a platform that connects you with local drivers who will transport you door-to-door, from one city to the next. We also give you the opportunity to explore sights/attractions along the way. We drive, you discover.

Yes! A return trip will take you back to your city of origin in the same size car in which you arrived. Return trips can be booked for the any day. You can also add customized sightseeing stops separately for each trip! Don’t worry if you don’t know your exact address at the time of booking - you’ll have the opportunity to update us closer to your travel date. Make sure to select “Return” when you start the booking process, then choose the dates and times of your departures.

For private trips, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. For the Daytrip Pool shared shuttle, we offer 3 ticket options when booking: Non-refundable, Flexible with cancellations 24 hours before departure, and Super-flexible with cancellations up to 15 minutes before departure.

Simply choose your origin and destination via our homepage and enter your departure date and time. Browse and add sightseeing stops along the way by following the booking instructions provided on-screen. Select “One Way” or “Return” to change the type of trip you need. It’s a simple, easy, and fun way to book your next adventure! And if you don’t see your desired route on our website, you can request a custom trip. You can even book without knowing your exact pick-up or drop-off address - we let you add these later!

Each passenger is allowed one large bag (29" x 21" x 11" / 74 x 53 x 28 cm) and one small bag (22" x 14" x 9" / 56 x 36 x 23 cm). Luxury sedans can only accommodate 2 large bags. We always send the vehicle that is the best fit for you and your luggage, so make sure to select the actual amount of luggage you are traveling with when booking. If you have oversized luggage, or are unsure if your luggage will fit, contact us.

Everywhere except the USA, drivers will supply appropriate child seats (just let us know during booking). In the USA, certain states require you to supply your own child seats.

Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 14,500+ cities around the world.

Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.